ERIN

What does faith mean to you? Do you have a faith? (i.e. a religion, or something you believe in like karma)

To me, faith means believing in something or someone. For myself personally, I definitely believe in karma. I also believe what goes around comes around. I believe that if you act the way in which you want to be treated, your life will be rewarding.

Two years ago from now where did you think you would be? How does that differ from where you are now?

Two years ago, I definitely did not have the desire to look two years ahead of time. I am in my third year of university now, and though it is tough, I am happy with where I am. In general, I think that as young people, even though we may feel lost sometimes, we’re all exactly where we’re supposed to be!

Where do you think you will be in another year?

In another year, I hope to be slightly more prepared for what life throws at me after finishing school. I really hope I am living somewhere close to the ocean and doing a job or another school program I am passionate about. I think I will mature a LOT in my last year, which is scary yet exciting.

What, in your opinion, are important values to have in todays society?

I think that important values to have are self worth, honesty, compassion and respect. Those seem obvious, but when you think about it, how often do we as a society respect others more than ourselves? I would say, not often. In terms of honesty, we tend to forget its importance. Compassion is key for understanding where others are coming from and to be able to relate to others. Finally, respect is the foundation for building good relationships and listening to others’ ideas.

What values do you think society promotes?

I think society promotes a wide array of values, really depending on which society you live in I suppose. In the society in which I have grown up, external appearance, power, and the notion of success are all values promoted by society.

What are your own values?

I value openness, honestly, respect, intelligence, compassion, empathy, my family and my friends. This is a broad list however it encompasses what I truly stand for.

Are you who you want to be? Who is that person?

This is a very difficult question to answer. I can’t say that I know exactly who I want to be yet but I do know that I have certain goals I want to achieve. In the next five years or so, I want to own a husky, hold a health related job and live by the water. It is hard to know who that person will be or what she will be like.I truly plan to grow in a positive way. Hopefully the person that I become is well respected and has a circle of people who are close to her (family, friends etc).

What has been the best learning experience for you?

The best learning experience for me thus far has been living in two isolated aboriginal communities in Northern Canada. There I spent a total of 12 weeks (6 weeks each year) teaching a health program through a program at my university. This experience taught me that sometimes even when you are attempting to spread knowledge to others, you end up gaining so much more yourself. This experience taught me about the ignorance surrounding Canada’s colonial history and that even though you may be the majority in one part of a country, it is important to experience what it feels like to be the minority (in a community).

Do you have any memories that “haunt” you? What are they? Why do you think you’re holding onto them?

The memories that often haunt me are those where another person has hurt me, or I wasn’t strong enough to say something when someone was using me. I think these stick in my mind as a reminder of what I need to change for the future and that standing up for yourself and what you want is not synonymous with being selfish. I think I am holding onto them so I can become a stronger person.

What are qualities you look for in a friendship?

Loyalty, kindness, intelligence, a chill factor, and people who have similar interests to me. I really appreciate a friend who can listen and who I can trust no matter what.

How do you think people see you?
I would like to think that people see me as being kind, fun, energetic and athletic. That is a difficult question to answer, but I hope people see mostly positive things.

How do you see yourself?

I think we all are a little harder on ourselves. I see myself as a good person, I try my best at everything I am passionate about.

How would you like to be seen?

I would like to be seen the same way I think other people see me (mentioned earlier). Further though, I hope people see me as being genuine and a hard worker.

What do you consider your “flaws”? Why?

I am “flawed” in many ways, and at times I think that maybe I should consider these “flaws” as something more positive. One flaw I have is that I overcommit to many things, and I have trouble saying “no”. This is something I have been working on, putting myself first because I usually do not do so. Another flaw I have is that I worry too much, and don’t spend enough time living in the moment.

Do you think you’re someone others can/do look up to?

I sincerely hope so. I have had people tell me before that I inspire them, but I find it hard to believe them!

What are you passionate about?
Music, seeing the world and learning as much as possible, being active and healthy and helping others.

What are your pet peeves?

Hand dryers (especially the loud ones), people who always need to be right, and people who are not empathetic or able to put themselves in others’ shoes.

If you could change something about yourself – internally or externally – what would it be? Why?

Mine would be internal and I would change something about my mind. I tend to worry, I have an inability to shut my mind off and relax when I want to. I would want to change this so that I could better enjoy each and every moment of life instead of worrying about silly things.

What about yourself are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my ability to relate to many types of people, my kindness, and my drive to be fit and healthy.

What do you think the downfall of today’s society will be?

Technology and the constant drive to make money. Young people are growing up with the mindset that they are valued only by what they accomplish in school or by the amount of money they make. We forget the every day sense of living in the moment and just “being”.

Do you think it is more important to try and make an impact in the world at large, or in your own world? Why?

It is definitely more important to make an impact in the world at large, but that depends on who you ask. I talk to people all the time who are oblivious to the world at large, but are so perfectly content living in their bubble. Ignorance is certainly bliss, but I couldn’t imagine living with that mindset. I really hope to make an impact in some way.